Higher Certificate in Local Government and Development Management

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Local Government and Development Management is a one year qualification that aims to increase public service management capacity at local government level. It is directed towards persons who do not have any formal post school qualifications and who have limited work experience. It provides a foundational understanding of local government and development management.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner should be able to

• Explain the distinctiveness of local government as part of the public sector in development and service delivery.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of governance within a prescribed statutory and legal framework.
• Understand the influence of the environment on local government and differentiate between the influences of the various role players in this regard.
• Apply ethical practices in management and decision making in local government.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the components of the external environment and its impact on local government.
• Understand the process of managing finances and budgets in local governments.
• Apply managerial skills in managing a local government workforce optimally.
• Apply project management skills in managing local government.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate in Local Government and Development Management [HCert (Local Government and Development Management)] aims to build the capacity of local government officials and those wishing to join the public service. The qualification provides foundational learning in the functional areas of local government and development management.

This qualification also empowers learners with a high level of professional expertise together with a broad range of managerial skills in the local government sector. The HCert (Local Government and Development Management) is tailor-made for the local government environment, allowing managers and councilors to meet their different professional needs while keeping up-to-date with the latest issues.

The qualification ensures that learners gain knowledge, skills and competencies in the principles and practices of local government management enabling them to make a difference in service delivery to local communities.

The Certificate in Local Government and Development Management

• Develops communication and analytical skills of learners.
• Promotes equity by providing affordable access to public management education to learners previously denied such opportunities.
• Recognises and caters for the career and economic needs of learners who are in employment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning.

In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification

• It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their curriculum vitae (CV).
• Such `non-standard` candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisations/ companies.
• Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants.

Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating non-standard` applicants include

• The applicants motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
• Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
• The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
• Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.
• The clarity of the applicant`s educational goals and objectives.
• The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

Where prior learning is recognized for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of `specific credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended qualification leads.

Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is either a

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules with 20 Credits each totalling 140 Credits.

Modules

• Local Government Finance.
• Local Government Law.
• Local Government Human Resource Management.
• Local Government Management.
• Project Management.
• Disaster Management.
• Ethics and Professionalism.

1. Explain the distinctiveness of local government as part of the public sector in development and service delivery.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of governance within a prescribed statutory and legal framework.
3. Apply ethical practices in management and decision making in local government.
4. Understand the process of managing finances and budgets in local governments.
5. Apply managerial skills in managing a local government workforce optimally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• The context of local government in South Africa is described.
• The functions, powers and duties of local government are explained.
• Intergovernmental relations are analysed.
• Local government structures are described.
• The phenomena of urbanisation and regionalisation are defined.
• The impact of urbanisation on local government management is evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• The concept of law is defined.
• The sources and classification of law is identified.
• Municipal and administrative law are distinguished.
• The legal framework of local government is identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• The concepts of ethics and professionalism are explained.
• The origin and nature of ethics and professionalism are explained.
• Ethical behaviour in a local government context is displayed.
• Measures to ensure ethical conduct are outlined.
• Levels of professionalism are evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• The role of the government in the economy is outlined.
• The elements of local government finance are listed.
• Basic financial management principles in the work environment are applied.
• The relevant policy and legislation relating to local government finance are identified.
• The budgetary process is explained.
• A budget is prepared and presented.
• A business plan is prepared.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Disaster management activities are analysed.
• The capacity to communicate effectively is developed.
• The provisions of relevant legislation are evaluated.
• Project management skills are demonstrated.
• Human resource principles in a work environment are applied.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment focuses on

• The application of management theory to a practical local Government context.
• The methods of research used.
• Maintaining a balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
• The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication and development of ideas.
• The critical evaluation of legislation and the formulation of new strategies.
• The learner working under time constraints.

The Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules.

These assessment methods include

• Case studies.
• Report writing.
• Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
• Research and work based assignments.
• Self assessment activities in the course material.